In recent decades, research and practice have shown that investing in a positive school-wide social culture is a key component of effective education. Evidence demonstrates that educators and students succeed when students are present, engaged, socially secure, and academically successful. Developed by 2M Research in conjunction with an expert…

Together, a school district and a local union are working to ensure that educators are trained in restorative practices in order to improve school climates and keep students in school and learning. This article describes how, in recent years, administrators and teachers have shifted from traditional school punishments, such as suspension, to…

After children have witnessed domestic violence, the lingering trauma can undermine their ability to learn and succeed in school. With the right classroom strategies, however, teachers can help students relieve stress, reengage in the curriculum, stay focused and organized, attend to tasks, and reestablish relationships.

This article describes a model to assist teachers in solving academic or behavioral problems of students with learning disabilities. The model uses the word PINPOINT as a mnemonic technique to address Problem identification, Importance rating, Noting the behaviors to develop, Possible solutions, Optimal options for the student, Ideal interventions…

This article presents a rationale for the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) approach to solving behavior problems in the classroom as well as FBA components and applications. The paper notes advantages of FBA as well as legal and ethical reasons for using FBA. A case study illustrates use of FBA within a four-stage decision-making framework.…

Offers a constructivist perspective in considering strategies for managing student behavior, such as severe behavior problems, in elementary school classrooms which include children with special needs. This approach capitalizes on the social context and group problem solving to teach children how to manage their own behavior. Examples are…

The progress of a group of student teachers who used action research techniques in their student teaching experience was studied. Action research is designed to yield practical results that are immediately applicable to a specific situation or problem. Action research strategies were used by student teachers to identify and find effective ways of…

Suggests that children can learn to successfully resolve problems by age four. Describes two interpersonal problem-solving thinking skills (alternative solution thinking and consequential thinking) which, if used by children, facilitate better adjustment and greater social competence. Teaching children problem-solving techniques, or how to think,…

Presents a study conducted to investigate the subjective experiences of a teacher making the transition from a traditional textbook, content-dispensing approach to a problem-solving approach to teaching science. Although outward changes in teaching materials and strategy are evidenced, the teacher shows little change in beliefs about the teacher's…

Reviews classroom management strategies that are child-centered and consistent with constructivist approaches to education, in which teachers create situations that facilitate learning. Describes strategies including techniques for establishing dialog, cognitive interventions (including self management and conflict resolution), cognitive…

The effects of behavioral and performance contingencies on classroom behavior and on academic performance were investigated. The subjects, third grade students from an inner city elementary school, were exposed to a series of conditions including baseline, behavior contingencies, performance contingencies, and a mix of behavior and performance…

Conflicts and disputes, a normal part of the day in every preschool center, provide young children with important opportunities for learning. This 24-minute videotape illustrates 6 problem-solving steps that adults can use to help children resolve conflicts successfully: (1) approach quickly and calmly, stopping any hurtful actions or language;…

Learning in small groups is a practical way to bring about behavior change. The inquiry learning process is perceived to be the most natural and scientific way of learning. Skills developed include those of problem-solving task analysis, decision-making, value formation and adaptability. The art of small group interaction is developed. Factual…

This manual is intended to help educators and families address students' behavioral problems so that students with emotional and behavioral difficulties can be included in regular education. Chapter 1 is an introduction and uses vignettes to identify supports that students, educators, and families say they need. Chapter 2 offers case studies on…

This action research project evaluated the impact of an intervention for reducing the inappropriate student behavior of primary school students. Participating were kindergartners in a large metropolitan area in northern Illinois. Inappropriate behaviors, such as physical aggression and using inappropriate words for self-expression, were documented…